So... you'd like to be a (better) model? - Part 1

Don't let the title fool you. I don't have any experience about how to be a model, but I've worked with several models during the recent years and I've seen a bit of everything. So, I thought I could share with you some tips about what you can do if you want to be a model and if you already are one, maybe you can find some useful insights to improve your career.

This is a topic that implies covering a lot of aspects, which could turn this post into a testament, so I decided do sum it up as much as possible and to divide it in several parts. Hope you find it useful and if you have any questions, you can use the comments box bellow.

If you've been following KAEOT, you'll find several stories of young people who are developing some very interesting and successful careers in the modelling scene and this could be a first step - finding inspiration and following good examples.

But, I think a model's opinion could be pretty useful, so I decided to call my dear friend Kateryna, who's been a model for more than a decade, so that she could share some very useful tips:

FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO PURSUE A PROFESSIONAL CAREER IN MODELLING, WHAT ARE THE 3 MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER?

1. Be Realistic!

- It's not just about pretty face, you have to be professional, versatile and know how to work in a team.

- Be ready to work for hours under rain, cold or burning sun. It might look glamorous from the outside, but try standing half naked on a snowy street in winter, while the photographer waits for a cloud to pass overhead, and see if you can look sexy and sunny!

- Realize that it is harder than it appears and there's a lot of work behind all the glitz and glamour you see at fashion shows and campaigns.

- Probably it won't sustain your life so always study or think on some parallel interest that you can dedicate to when you finish your career or even while its running.

- And of course the technical part of it: to start a professional modelling career you need professional pictures that showcase your talent, as well as an agency that will represent you.

2. Be Tough & Positive!

- Be ready to get no´s. It's part of the business. You have to be psychologically prepared for disappointments and stay positive no matter what. Its quite inconstant too, you can have low phases with very little work.

- You have to be persistent. Being professional model required discipline, you need to stay in shape, wake up early, work long hours. There is no substitute for hard work and commitment. Models that succeed, do so because they have a great attitude, on top of their looks.

- Be prepared for the fact that you will probably travel and spend time away from your family and friends.

3. Be informed!

- Being informed is crucial in my opinion. Ask lots of questions and learn from the people around you. It's not a game. It's a job and like others, we pay taxes and take responsibilities.

- Also remember that there is an entire modeling industry that is built around your hopes and dreams of becoming a model, trying to make money from you, so tread gently and carefully and keep your eyes and ears open.

AND FOR THOSE WHO ARE ALREADY MODELS, BUT SOMEHOW, FEEL THEIR CAREER IS STUCK OR NOT GOING ANYWHERE? WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?

Use and abuse of Social Media! Today's models have huge advantage that our generation didn’t have – social media! We could only rely on our agency work, something we don’t control, so we could be lucky or not. Now, Social Media allows you to build your own personal brand online and showcase your talent. So use it in a smart way, and connect with important names from the industry.

There are a lot of talented young photographers willing to work with models – use that in your favor to generate good quality material and content for social media and for your portfolio.

Sometimes being in the right place and meeting the right people can be decisive in your career. I would say going to events and meet people, networking, following iconic personalities, leading photographers and designers in the fashion industry nationally and internationally, can be a good thing to do.

Develop interpersonal skills. Above all develop interpersonal skills, that’s what going to distinguish you from others. Knowing how to deal with people is very important like in any other profession. If you are kind of shy and reserved, work on it. Read books about this issue, watch videos go outside and practice.

Talk and communicate. Talking to your booker can be an important thing to do to, its always good to keep a close contact with him/her and mention your concerns.

You may also want to check the other posts on this series of tips about how to be a (better) model:

Kateryna Savchenko is an Ukranian model, currently based in Lisbon. She has been modeling for more than 10 years in Portugal and abroad. Among the brands and clients she has worked for, you can find names such as Prada, Michael Kors, Jil Sander, Paul Smith, L'Oreal, Custo Barcelona, just to name a few. She has also been in several advertising campaigns for Nescafe, Volkswagen, Clarks, Tiffosi, Continente, TMN, etc. On her editorial resumé, in Portugal, you can find all the most important titles, such as Vogue, Maxima, LuxWoman, etc.